What are Comps (Complimentary Tickets)?

Comps (short for complimentary tickets) are free tickets given out by the promoter, venue or artist, such as to press, industry, competition winners or partners. They take up capacity but bring in no ticket income, so the number of comps is usually agreed and tracked. Used well, comps build goodwill with press, partners and the industry; used too freely, they cut into income and can upset the artist's deal.

How comps work

Comps are handled in five steps:

  1. Agree an allocation: the deal sets how many comps the artist, promoter and venue can each issue.
  2. Issue them: comps are issued as zero-price tickets or added to a guest list.
  3. Track them: the box office records every comp separately from sold tickets.
  4. Check in: guests collect their tickets or are checked off at the door.
  5. Report: comps are listed on the settlement sheet.

Many comps are handled as named guests, which venues manage with guest lists in Crescat.

Comps vs guest list

Comps are free tickets, often issued through the ticketing system. A guest list is a list of names let in at the door without a ticket. Both are free and both count towards capacity; the difference is how entry is handled. Many venues use both for the same show, often with a separate guest list desk.

Common uses for comps

  • Press and reviewers
  • Industry guests, such as agents and labels
  • Sponsors and partners
  • Competition and radio giveaways
  • Staff and their families
  • "Papering" a quiet show to fill the room
  • Charity and community partners

Frequently asked questions

Do comps affect the artist's pay?

In a door deal or versus deal, yes, because comps bring in no income. Deals often cap comps, or charge extra ones as if sold.

What does "papering the house" mean?

Giving out lots of comps to fill a show that has not sold well, so the room looks busy for the artist and audience. It can help the atmosphere, but it should be agreed with the artist's team first.

Do comps count towards capacity?

Yes. Every person in the venue counts towards the licensed capacity, whether they paid or not. Comps must be included when checking whether a show has room for more sales.

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